orphanage

Having been back on the island nation of Grenada for several weeks, we’re abut ready to start heading North again for our 4th season of tour. It’s been a lovely stay here, and we’ve had some great shows, met many wonderful folks, and even have teamed up with some fantastic fire dancers out of France for some performances…all in all, not too shabby of a first go at things here. This island has a great many things to experience – waterfalls, rainforests, fresh foods a plenty – but nothing nourishes the soul like an in-the-gut human reality way outside your comfort zone.

When we returned to Catherine, nestled in the mangroves of Hog Island safe and sound thanks to close friends (Andi, Kirin, and Mark get some love here), we started getting her back together and of course, figuring out how to keep food on the table. At one show on Hog Island, at Roger’s, we bumped into an old acquaintance who asked if we would come and play at an orphanage on the island, the Queen Elizabeth Home for Children in St. Georges, one of Grenada’s largest cities. Being career artists, it is not every day that we have much “extra” to give to charity other than the skills we posess and art we make. When it comes up, it usually ends up our honor to do so.

Arriving we met about 20 kids, ages 3-18, who were welcoming, fun, affectionate, and some musically quite talented – all had the same effect, and that was one of pure warmth that is inspiring. I was personally expecting them to possibly be a bit reluctant to our presence, as visitors generally come and go at an orphanage for various reasons, but quite the opposite occured. They asked questions, goofed off with us, listened to some music then made some of their own. The whole time we felt we were seeing a different kind of family – one who’s main bond was not blood or a last name, but that their parents for one reason or another weren’t “around.” We have since gone back again, and hope to do so again before we head off – having no parents directly in their life has had little effect on their ability for compassion, which is a testament to the human condition and something we could always use more of.

Our point in this post is not to parade a good deed, but more to suggest a course of action. Positive exchanges between human beings self-propogate, leading to outbreaks of happiness and fullfillment so infectious that they must be passed on. That positive energy leads to such self-confidence one may head down a path of enlightenment, taking actions that fulfill the self and those around you. Respect, laughter, a real purpose that is right – just a touch of the ingredients necessary for us meager humans to do a better job of living with and learning from each other, all races, all walks. The effect we may have on another, especially a child, may have repercussions that last beyond our time.

Ps. If you are interested in supporting this orphanage with a donation, please hit us up with a message and we will send you the details.❤️

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